GLAAD - It Gets Betterhttp://www.glaad.org/tags/it-gets-better
en#RealLiveTransAdult turns tragedy into solidarityhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/reallivetransadult-turns-tragedy-solidarity
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-0-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="777" height="488" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-12/Leelah%20Alcorn.jpg?itok=Bapjm7hT" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>One of the news items in LGBT media over the last few days was the tragic suicide of Leelah Alcorn, a 17-year-old transgender girl from Kings Mills, Ohio. She left a post on Tumblr, which was scheduled to be published after her death. The post ended with the following plea to society:</p>
<blockquote><p>My death needs to be counted in the number of transgender people who commit suicide this year. I want someone to look at that number and say &ldquo;that&rsquo;s f*ucked up&rdquo; and fix it. Fix society. Please.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Following the news, transgender advocates and allies have taken to Twitter and began posting using the hashtag #RealLiveTransAdult. The transgender advocates used social media as an empowering space for those whose voices are often silenced. Think of it as a trans-specific, social media version of the <a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/">It Gets Better</a> project.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Take a look at some of the tweets:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>If you&#39;re a trans teen and you can&#39;t imagine your life going forward, I&#39;m 31 years old and I work in a bookstore. I&#39;m a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealLiveTransAdult?src=hash">#RealLiveTransAdult</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Red Durkin (@RedIsDead) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedIsDead/status/549977788678041600">December 30, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I&#39;m 24, I&#39;m an engineer at Google, and my life is filled with wonderful and supportive friends. I&#39;m a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealLiveTransAdult?src=hash">#RealLiveTransAdult</a>.</p>
<p>&mdash; Natalie Weizenbaum (@nex3) <a href="https://twitter.com/nex3/status/550001967272300545">December 30, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I work as a commercial field archaeologist and I have a PhD from Cambridge. I also play guitar+sing in a band <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealLiveTransAdult?src=hash">#RealLiveTransAdult</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Dr Bah Humbug Cutler (@Neandertalnerd) <a href="https://twitter.com/Neandertalnerd/status/550001940625883136">December 30, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I&#39;m a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealLiveTransAdult?src=hash">#RealLiveTransAdult</a> with a master&#39;s in theology from Harvard. I can debunk any hate &quot;good Christians&quot; give you. Send &#39;em my way. ;)</p>
<p>&mdash; Riley MacLeod (@rcmacleod) <a href="https://twitter.com/rcmacleod/status/549998626689531904">December 30, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I still struggle with body image. I still struggle with my gender. But I deserve to be here. So do you. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealLiveTransAdult?src=hash">#RealLiveTransAdult</a></p>
<p>&mdash; i am kortney✊ (@fakerapper) <a href="https://twitter.com/fakerapper/status/549997374311919616">December 30, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>still figuring it out every day, but i&#39;m 24, people dig my writing, &amp; i live in nyc w lots of great trans friends. i&#39;m a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealLiveTransAdult?src=hash">#RealLiveTransAdult</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Tyler Ford ✨ (@tywrent) <a href="https://twitter.com/tywrent/status/550001851039756290">December 30, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>nice! I&#39;m a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealLiveTransAdult?src=hash">#RealLiveTransAdult</a> too, I&#39;m a writer with a day job, a dog, cool/bad tattoos, I play music and have a girlfriend of 8 years</p>
<p>&mdash; imogen binnie (@iphisol) <a href="https://twitter.com/iphisol/status/549983914488778752">December 30, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>When I came out 12 yrs ago, no idea if I&#39;d make it, let alone make it in sports. Now I&#39;m happily married &amp; work at ESPN. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealLiveTransAdult?src=hash">#RealLiveTransAdult</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Christina Kahrl (@ChristinaKahrl) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaKahrl/status/550017737402351616">December 30, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Transition seemed impossible. Life after seemed impossible. Happiness seemed impossible. But here I am, a very grateful <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealLiveTransAdult?src=hash">#RealLiveTransAdult</a>.</p>
<p>&mdash; Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) <a href="https://twitter.com/SmartAssJen/status/550016675773677568">December 30, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>If you are looking for solidarity and inspiration following Leelah&#39;s death, it&#39;s worth checking out #RealLiveTransAdult on Twitter. If you are a real live trans adult, add your own story to the mix.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.transviolencetracker.org/index.php/press-releases/116-leelah-acorn-suicide-a-call-to-end-conversion-therapy">Trans* Violence Tracking Portal</a> also released a statement:</p>
<blockquote><p>In honor of Leelah Alcorn, we call for the immediate creation of a national effort to bring about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LeelahsLaw">Leelah&#39;s Law</a>&nbsp;that will ban &#39;conversion therapy&#39; against transgender, gay, lesbian and bisexual youth. &nbsp;</p>
<p>&hellip;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/parents-who-spoke-out-their-lgbt-children-2014">Debi Jackson of Trans-Parenting</a> &quot;I understand the struggle many religious families go through&nbsp;when they realize they might have a transgender child&nbsp;because of their particular church&rsquo;s beliefs. But these kids are not broken, and they don&rsquo;t need to be fixed. Many denominations and churches open their arms to transgender individuals, so even the most religious families can find the support they need without resorting to such brutal behaviors as conversion therapy. It has proven time and time again to be a deadly practice. Our children deserve better. They deserve to be accepted for who they are, exactly as God created them.&rdquo;</p>
<p>ETNYC fully supports the efforts of the <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/trans-lifeline-provides-suicide-prevention-and-trans-community">Transgender Life Line setup by Greta Gustava Martela</a> and asks anyone that is thinking about ending their life to call the Transgender Life Line before attempting suicide. They can be reached at 877.565.8860, 24 hours a day.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In addition to the Transgender Life Line, listed above, anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts are encouraged to visit <a href="http://www.thetrevorproject.org/">The Trevor Project</a>. We all have a responsibility to welcome and accept one another. In this new year, resolve to reach out, accept fully, stand up for others, and make space for the marginalized to lift their own voices.&nbsp;</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">December 30, 2014</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/leelah-alcorn">Leelah Alcorn</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/suicide">suicide</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/debi-jackson">Debi Jackson</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/transgender-life-line">Transgender Life Line</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/tumblr">Tumblr</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Tue, 30 Dec 2014 19:49:43 +0000rossmurray72973 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/reallivetransadult-turns-tragedy-solidarity#comments"WATCH: It GOT Better"http://www.glaad.org/blog/watch-it-got-better
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="1200" height="1200" id="1" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-05/It%20Got%20Better%20collage.jpg?itok=FAe14r60" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>For decades, LGBT youth have faced hardship and today is no different: Thousands of children and adolescents in the United States are struggling with their sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.<br><br>In an ongoing effort to address this societal concern, the It Gets Better Project, as established by columnist and author Dan Savage, strives to inspire young people facing harassment and intimidation. The staggering number of bullied, LGBT young people inspires the It Gets Better Project to create a personal way for supporters everywhere to tell LGBT youth that despite the current adversity in their lives, it does indeed get better.</p>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="422" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wjk7grELDfY" width="750"></iframe><p><br>Recently, Lexus launched &ldquo;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/itgotbetter">It Got Better</a>,&rdquo; the newest series on broadband channel L/Studio. With this new docuseries L/Studio once again has the opportunity to back another passion project from the creative team of Lisa Kudrow and Dan Bucatinsky, who produced the channel&rsquo;s popular and award-winning &ldquo;Web Therapy.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Currently in its sixth year, L/Studio hosts an eclectic collection of original films, live-action shows, documentaries and comedy programs designed to engage a discerning, inquisitive audience&mdash;outside of the traditional automotive encounter. The Lexus-owned broadband channel also includes original work from the worlds of art, culture, design, science, entertainment, architecture and beyond.<br><br>The six-episode docuseries is a collaboration between Kudrow and Bucatinsky and the It Gets Better Project (Dan Savage and Brian Pines). It tells the inspiring personal stories of a diverse group of LGBT actors, athletes and musicians including Jane Lynch, Jason Collins, Tim Gunn, Tegan &amp; Sara, George Takei and <a href="https://twitter.com/It_Got_Better" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" data-file_info="%7B%22fid%22:%2271162%22,%22view_mode%22:%22file_styles_medium%22,%22fields%22:%7B%22format%22:%22file_styles_medium%22,%22field_file_image_alt_text%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22%22,%22field_file_image_title_text%5Bund%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%22:%22%22%7D,%22type%22:%22media%22%7D" height="164" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2014-05/Jane%20Lynch.jpg?itok=jc7-CMC-" style="float: right;" width="220"></a>Laverne Cox.</p>
<p>&quot;It Got Better&quot; establishes a pithy, yet truly heartfelt connection between LGBT celebrities and the video&#39;s audience. Insightful personal accounts from the most recognizable faces in the LGBT community provide a way for young people and adults alike to experience the unparalleled victory that is self-acceptance.<br><br>Growing up as a LGBT person is all too often a bleak existence. So many young/queer people, dissatisfied with their current situations, can only hope for the day when life gives them a break. Happiness becomes a rare commodity only accessible through coping mechanisms, and visions of a utopian future consume most other thoughts.<br><br>&quot;It Got Better&quot; is so necessary and innovative in that it validates there is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel. The messages expressed through each video are just as inspiring as the individuals being interviewed and the perspectives gained are both unique and remarkable.<br><br>The first &ldquo;It Got Better&rdquo; episode features &ldquo;Glee&rdquo; star Jane Lynch and can be viewed <a href="http://www.lstudio.com/it-got-better/it-got-better-featuring-jane-lynch.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>To get the latest updates and take part in GLAAD&rsquo;s work to build support for LGBT equality, be sure to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/glaad" target="">&lsquo;like&rsquo; us on Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/glaad" target="">follow us on Twitter</a>!</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">May 15, 2014</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/bisexuality">Bisexuality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-got-better">It Got Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/jane-lynch">Jane Lynch</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/laverne-cox">Laverne Cox</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/jason-collins">Jason Collins</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/tim-gunn">Tim Gunn</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/tegan-and-sara">Tegan and Sara</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/george-takei">George Takei</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/dan-savage">Dan Savage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lexus">Lexus</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/coming-out">coming out</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/docuseries">Docuseries</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Thu, 15 May 2014 19:00:46 +0000jrudolph71028 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/watch-it-got-better#commentsUCLA's University Catholic Center reaches across campus to create "It Gets Better" videohttp://www.glaad.org/blog/uclas-university-catholic-center-reaches-across-campus-create-it-gets-better-video
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-2-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="2" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/UCC%20logo.png?itok=lu3HF1c8" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The <a href="http://uccla.org/">University Catholic Center at UCLA</a> has produced a video for the "It Gets Better" campaign. The University Catholic Center is a university-based Catholic congregation welcoming students from all faiths. The University Catholic Center has a variety of ministries, including social justice and St. Vincent de Paul to help those in need. They are an example of a welcoming and affirming church.</p>
<p>To create the It Gets Better video, the University Catholic Center reached out across the UCLA and greater Los Angeles area to feature LGBT individuals, couples, parents and allies. The video highlights the tremendous importance of faith to the Catholic LGBT community, but the participants in the video come from a wide range of faith traditions.</p>
<p>The incredibly well done piece demonstrates that there are many LGBT Catholics and allies who support the LGBT community. The University Catholic Center is one such place that wanted to take a stand, and did so in a very moving way.</p>
<p>Watch the moving video on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um9Fi2Fv6OQ&amp;feature=youtu.be">youtube.com</a>&nbsp;or below.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/um9Fi2Fv6OQ" frameborder="0" height="480" width="640"></iframe></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">October 29, 2013</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/roman-catholic">Roman Catholic</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/ucla">UCLA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Tue, 29 Oct 2013 15:05:17 +0000nicholascoppola68807 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/uclas-university-catholic-center-reaches-across-campus-create-it-gets-better-video#commentsMake a statement this #SpiritDay with the It Gets Better Projecthttp://www.glaad.org/blog/make-statement-spiritday-it-gets-better-project
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-3-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="3" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/BWtvg4uCUAAzQRW.jpg?itok=W6HxhCcu" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>If you've been putting off your It Gets Better video debut, there is no day like today-- <a href="http://glaad.org/spiritday" target="_blank">Spirit Day!</a>-- to share your story. The It Gets Better Project is encouraging people all over to post an It Gets Better video to their social media accounts, and tag them with #spiritday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Making an It Gets Better video is one of multiple ways you can <a href="http://glaad.org/spiritday/action" target="_blank">take action</a> to show your support for LGBT youth and stop bullying.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/">It Gets Better Project</a> and Spirit Day go way back.&nbsp; Both were founded in the fall of 2010, largely in response to a series of highly publicized LGBT youth suicides.&nbsp; If you're unfamiliar with the Project, It Gets Better encourages public figures and private citizens alike to share their stories of perseverance in short videos to inspire hope for young people facing bullying and harassment.&nbsp; Since its founding, The It Gets Better Project has garnered <a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/video/">over 50,000 user-created videos viewed more than 50 million times</a>.</p>
<p>So don't fret about making a perfect video!&nbsp; Showing your support for bullied and LGBT youth, whether by sharing your story on camera or wearing purple, is simple—<a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/marcel-neergaard-wearing-purple-can-save-lives">and it can save lives</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Are you wearing your Spirit Day purple?<br><br> <strong>Going purple is easy</strong>:</p>
<ol>
<li>Wear something purple today - whether it's a purple scarf, purple tie, or an entirely purple outfit, you'll be taking a stand&nbsp;<br> against bullying!</li>
<li>Head over to&nbsp;<a href="http://action.glaad.org/site/R?i=dBBvuvPwiYt2F1JN7bVslg">www.glaad.org/spiritday</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;turn your Facebook and Twitter profile pics purple right now to show LGBT youth you support them.</li>
<li>Share your photos with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and Google+ with the hashtag #SpiritDay - some may even be featured on the<a href="http://action.glaad.org/site/R?i=CzGJEuSotZNwUD4FUFxnfQ">Spirit Day website.</a></li>
</ol>
<p><br>With your help, young people everywhere will be able to walk into school or turn on TV and see a sea of purple. They'll see that the world has their back, and that it's okay to be who you are.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">October 17, 2013</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/spirit-day">Spirit Day</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better-project">It Gets Better Project</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/spirit-day">Spirit Day</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Thu, 17 Oct 2013 17:55:00 +0000dougkeeler68591 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/make-statement-spiritday-it-gets-better-project#commentsModern Family Wins Big at the 64th Annual Emmy Awardshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/modern-family-wins-big-64th-annual-emmy-awards
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-4-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="4" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/stonestreet_400x300.jpeg?itok=q_fTVRRn" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The 64th Annual Emmy Awards aired last night on ABC, and the host network's <em>Modern Family</em> <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/emmys-2012-modern-family-aaron-paul-maggie-smith-373199">took home the award for Best Comedy Series</a> and two acting awards. In addition to Julie Bowen winning Best Supporting Actress, Eric Stonestreet won Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of gay father Cameron, and said onstage how proud he was to play part of TV's favorite LGBT family.</p>
<p>He thanked his fellow nominees and noted that he "wouldn't be here without Jesse Tyler Ferguson," who plays his husband Mitchell. "There is no Mitch without Cam," he said from the podium, adding that he's honored to "show America and the world what a loving couple can be."</p>
<p>Earlier this year Modern Family <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/video-hot-cleveland-presents-jesse-tyler-ferguson-outstanding-comedy-series-glaadawards">received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding TV Comedy</a>. Check out Jesse Tyler Ferguson's <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/video-hot-cleveland-presents-jesse-tyler-ferguson-outstanding-comedy-series-glaadawards">acceptance speech</a> below!</p>
<p>Other LGBT-inclusive shows that took home awards included <em>Downton Abbey</em>, <em>American Horror Story</em>, <em>The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Good Wife</em>, <em>Dancing With the Stars</em>,<em>The Amazing Race</em>, and the<em> Tony Awards</em>. A variety of other inclusive shows and out talent were recognized with nominations this year, which <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/64th-primetime-emmys-all-nominees-reality-show-competition-include-lgbt-contestants">you can see here</a>. </p>
<p>Also notable was the bestowing of the prestigious Governor's Award on MTV's It Gets Better special, which it <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/it-gets-better-honored-governors-award-new-special-air-october-9">recieved at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards</a> on Saturday, September 15. It was <a href="http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/09/17/emmy-nominated-it-gets-better-returns-to-mtv-logo-wih-all-new-special-on-october-9/148834/">recently announced</a> that a second, brand new It Gets Better special will air on MTV October 9, just two days before National Coming Out day.</p>
<p>Which Emmy Award-winning show is your favorite?</p>
<p><object height="315" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nPgkcXJcElo?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nPgkcXJcElo?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="315" width="420"></embed></object></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 24, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/television">Television</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/emmy-awards">Emmy Awards</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/mtv">MTV</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/modern-family">Modern Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/eric-stonestreet">Eric Stonestreet</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Fri, 21 Sep 2012 23:24:40 +0000mattkane59533 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/modern-family-wins-big-64th-annual-emmy-awards#commentsGLAAD Teams with Athlete Ally to Train NBA Rookie Camphttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-teams-athlete-ally-train-nba-rookie-camp
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" height="179" id="25" style="height: 179px; width: 425px;;;" width="425" src="http://www.gladblog.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/rainbowtowel.jpg?itok=_E_JSr5G" alt="" /></p>
<p>Last weekend, the NBA became the first league to take G<a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-athlete-ally-offering-trainings-pro-teams">LAAD and Athlete Ally up on our offer to provide ally trainings to professional athletes</a>. <img class="media-image" height="84" id="25" style="height: 84px; width: 150px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;;" width="150" src="http://www.gladblog.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/nbascreenshot.jpg?itok=SUPRGnrn" alt="" />The NBA's 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 classes of rookies were shown a video presentation by Athlete Ally founder Hudson Taylor and myself (Aaron McQuade, GLAAD Director of News and Field Media). We discussed what it means to be an ally to the LGBT community in the context of sports, the importance of being an ally, and how professional athletes can go about being allies. Moderators were there to take questions from the players, and both GLAAD and Athlete Ally offered an "open-door policy" for any pro sports player who has questions, comments or concerns about LGBT issues to contact us anytime, on or off the record.</p>
<p>The training was the latest in a series of big steps being taken to potentially pave the way for an openly gay male athlete in the world of major league team sports, documented in a <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/the-first-gay-major-leaguer-already-has-a-lot-of-f">great piece by Buzzfeed's Chris Geidner and Kevin Lincoln</a>, posted today. NBA executive vice president for social responsibility &amp; player programs Kathleen Behrens told Buzzfeed:</p>
<blockquote><p>“Working with GLAAD and Athlete Ally gives us a chance to not only say ‘don't say this,’ but hopefully to give our players a better understanding of the challenges LGBT kids are facing and the role we can play in ensuring that sports, schools and playgrounds are a safe haven for all kids.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In the past year, dozens of pro teams and athletes have sent messages of support to LGBT people - either to young people who might be victims of bullying through the <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/looking-back-mlbs-it-gets-better-videos">It Gets Better campaign</a>, or to LGBT athletes who might be discouraged from continuing to play the sport they love, through the <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/you-can-play-campaign-launch-includes-12-nhl-stars">You Can Play campaign</a>. You Can Play founder Patrick Burke told Buzzfeed:</p>
<blockquote><p>“We’re trying to keep building the PSA campaign, because we think that’s the biggest way to actually change culture. Getting these athletes to come out and very publicly, very visibly say, ‘I support a gay teammate and you should too’ — we’ve already seen it in hockey, it’s changed the culture. NHL players are calling me saying they’d like to do one.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Kids who are growing up now and young athletes who are just starting to cultivate their skills are seeing their heroes talk about how true champions value teamwork and respect. These kids, who will be tomorrow's superstars, are seeing this message of respect for all woven into the fabric of the game. We're looking forward to providing similar resources to all the other major sports leagues, and we're looking forward to seeing all of these efforts result in the world of sports being a safe space for all.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 24, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/sports">Sports</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/nba">NBA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/glaad">GLAAD</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/hudson-taylor">Hudson Taylor</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/athlete-ally">Athlete Ally</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/basketball">Basketball</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/buzzfeed">Buzzfeed</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/sports">Sports</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/chris-geidner">chris Geidner</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/you-can-play">You Can Play</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/patrick-burke">Patrick Burke</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:23:19 +0000aaronmcquade59215 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-teams-athlete-ally-train-nba-rookie-camp#commentsThe GLAAD Wrap: Turner's Perfect Family, New Gossip, and Marriage Equality Comicshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-wrap-turners-perfect-family-new-gossip-and-marriage-equality-comics
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-5-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="5" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/Gossip-s-Beth-Ditto-at-th-001.jpg?itok=a8FKuyRS" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBT-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend. </p>
<p><strong>1)</strong> Opening in New York today is <strong><a href="http://www.thewisekids.com/"><em>The Wise Kids</em></a></strong>, which follows three Christian teens who find their beliefs challenged at the crossroads between high school and adulthood. Among them is Tim, an aspiring filmmaker who doesn’t see his being gay as conflicting with his faith, though not all his friends see it that way. The film was a <em>New York Times</em> critic pic this week, where it received <a href="http://movies.nytimes.com/2012/03/16/movies/the-wise-kids-a-coming-of-age-story-by-stephen-cone.html?ref=movies">a glowing review</a>. You can watch the trailer below.</p>
<object width="425" height="246"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZUM3HpGHFgk?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZUM3HpGHFgk?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="246" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><p>
</p><p><strong>2)</strong> A trailer for the film <strong><em>The Perfect Family</em></strong> <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2012/03/perfectfamily.html#more">was released this week</a> in advance of its May 4<sup>th</sup> release date. Kathleen Turner stars as a housewife vying for a local Catholic Woman of the Year award while also dealing with the impeding nuptials of her lesbian daughter (Emily Deschanel) and her daughter’s partner. <em>The Perfect Family</em> <a href="http://www.indiewire.com/article/variance-films-to-release-the-perfect-family-starring-kathleen-turner">will be released through Variance Films</a>. Watch the trailer below.</p>
<object width="425" height="246"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VEGNqbpZpnA?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VEGNqbpZpnA?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="246" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><p>
</p><p><strong>3)</strong> Another festival favorite that received distribution this week was Ira Sach’s <strong><em>Keep the Lights On</em></strong>. The highly anticipated, semi-autobiographical, and very good film stars Thure Lindhardt as a filmmaker who struggles to cope with his partner’s addiction and their evolving emotional relationship over a number of years. Music Box Films <a href="http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118051346?refCatId=13">has acquired the North American rights to the film</a>, which <a href="http://www.indiewire.com/article/glaad-holds-sundance-panel-to-commemorate-new-queer-cinema-discuss-keep-the-lights-on">premiered at Sundance</a>, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/keep-lights-and-call-me-kuchu-receive-teddy-awards-berlin-film-fest">won the Teddy Award at Berlin</a> and will play at the Tribeca Film Festival next month. Watch the trailer below.</p>
<object width="425" height="246"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ydNMHKl9ma8?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ydNMHKl9ma8?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="246" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><p>
</p><p><img class="media-image" id="2" style="border-top-width: 2px; border-right-width: 2px; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-left-width: 2px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 3px; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px; float: right; ;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/ofcorsetsadragdragu_0.png?itok=hnhD9oR6" alt="" /><strong>4)</strong> Fans of <em>Drag Race</em>’s Ongina or Pandora Boxx may have a chance to see them compete again now that <strong><em>All Stars: RuPaul’s Drag Race</em></strong> <a href="http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/03/12/rupauls-drag-race-all-stars/">has gotten the green light</a> from the show’s home network, Logo. Over 46 contestants have competed over four seasons of <em>Drag Race</em>, so producers will have a large pool to pull from.</p>
<p><a><strong>5)</strong> <strong>Gossip</strong></a> released the song “Perfect World” this week, the first track from their album A Joyful Noise which drops May 2012. Listen below, visit the song’s <a href="http://soundcloud.com/gossip_music">Soundcloud page</a> to share with your friends, and download your copy on <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?cid=lg:nge&amp;id=CTiugamq7cM&amp;u1=ituneslp%7CGossip%20%7CPerfect%20World&amp;offerid=78941&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A//itunes.apple.com/us/album/perfect-world-single/id508125487%253F">iTunes</a>. You can also check out Gossip’s performance at Google/YouTube’s SxSW showcase from March 15 on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/presents">YouTube now</a>. </p>
<iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="http://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fusers%2F12547767&amp;auto_play=false&amp;show_artwork=true&amp;color=ff7700"></iframe><p>
</p><p><strong>6)</strong> A proposed comic anthology to be created in support of marriage equality <a href="http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/03/13/little-heart-comics-anthology-gay-marriage-equality-kickstarter/?utm_source=twitterfeed&amp;utm_medium=twitter">has met its Kickstarter goal</a> and will hit the presses. <strong> <em>Little Heart</em> </strong>was specifically designed in response to a proposed ban on marriage between same sex couples set to go on the ballot in Minnesota this November, and the $8,500 raised will go towards paying contributors and printing 1,000 copies locally in MN. Any profit the book makes will go towards the non-profit group [MN]Love. You can see excerpts from the book in the below trailer, and find out more about the artists featured <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/765505753/little-heart-a-comic-anthology-for-marriage-equali">on the original Kickstarter page</a>.</p>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="360px" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/765505753/little-heart-a-comic-anthology-for-marriage-equali/widget/video.html" width="480px"></iframe><p>
</p><p><img class="media-image" id="2" style="border-top-width: 2px; border-right-width: 2px; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-left-width: 2px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 3px; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px; float: right; ;;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/6a00d8341c730253ef013488820b2c970c-800wi.jpg?itok=AQEmOWrX" alt="" /><strong>7)</strong> <strong>The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles</strong> is partnering with the <strong>It Gets Better Project</strong> to launch a nationwide tour of a musical theater piece titled “It Gets Better.” A 6-member core team will travel and collaborate with local performers and institutions to shine a spotlight on the harsh realities of bullying in schools. Director Liesel Reinhart <a href="http://lgbtpov.frontiersla.com/2012/03/14/gay-mens-chorus-of-los-angeles-joins-with-the-it-gets-better-project-for-a-nationwide-tour/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lgbtpov%2FhMHW+%28LGBT+POV%29">says</a>, “It’s about looking people in the eye, in each local community, and saying why isn’t it better now? What can we do to make it better right now?”</p>
<object width="425" height="246"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kU8G8yYTFHE?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kU8G8yYTFHE?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="246" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">March 16, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/music">Music</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/film">Film</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/television">Television</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/wise-kids">The Wise Kids</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/perfect-family">The Perfect Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/keep-lights">Keep the Lights On</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/ru-pauls-drag-race">Ru Paul&#039;s Drag Race</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/gossip">Gossip</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/little-heart">Little Heart</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/gay-mens-chorus-los-angeles">Gay Men&#039;s Chorus of Los Angeles</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:43:30 +0000mattkane49248 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-wrap-turners-perfect-family-new-gossip-and-marriage-equality-comics#commentsMust-Watch, Groundbreaking Telemundo Novela Tackles LGBT & Other Issueshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/must-watch-groundbreaking-telemundo-novela-tackles-lgbt-other-issues
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" height="300" id="2" style="width: 381px; height: 300px; ;;;;;;;;;" width="381" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/relacionespeligrosas.jpg?itok=giAlq9TF" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;background:white"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">LGBT-inclusive storylines and characters are most certainly not new to Spanish-language soap operas. Just two recent hit novelas were</span><a href="http://www.glaad.org/2009/10/13/las-telenovelas-salen-del-closet-telenovelas-come-out-of-the-closet" target="_blank"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;<br />
font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;color:blue">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">“Más Sabe el Diablo,”</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">which featured a transgender and gay main character and “</span><a href="http://www.glaad.org/2011/04/06/and-this-years-glaad-media-award-recipients-in-entertainment-are" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">¿Dónde Está Elisa?</span></a><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">” which followed the intimate but secret relationship between two gay men. Both aired on Telemundo and won GLAAD Media Awards. But in terms of LGBT-inclusion, Telemundo’s sleek, modern and provocative&nbsp;novela,<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span><a href="http://msnlatino.telemundo.com/novelas/Relaciones_Peligrosas" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">“Relaciones Peligrosas”</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">(“Dangerous Affairs”), which is set in a Miami high school, &nbsp;breaks the mold with its fair depiction of the highs and lows in the life of the novela’s<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><strong>so far</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b>&nbsp;</b></span>only gay character, Alejandro “Ale” Portillo (played by Puerto Rican actor Kevin Aponte).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;background:white"><img class="media-image" id="6" style="float: right; ;;;;;;;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Kevin%2BAponte%2Bcomo%2BAlejandro%2BPortillo.jpg?itok=BTN1EGBZ" alt="" /><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">Sensible, resilient, and compassionate, Ale is a frequent target of bullying along with black Haitian-Dominican classmate Cassius.&nbsp; But rather than being presented exclusively as one of hardships, Ale’s life is presented as having the potential for triumph and empowerment.&nbsp; In a recent episode, he confronted a bully after attempting to take his own life, telling him “I’m gay, and I want to thank you. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. I don’t have to live my life in hiding, scared, silent,” which was prefaced by a reference to Jamey Rodemeyer, the real-life 14-year-old openly bisexual teenager who died by suicide last year.&nbsp;With the support of his friend Nora,&nbsp;Ale subsequently made an “It Gets Better”-like video in which he took a stand, saying “The struggle against your bullies ends the moment you accept yourself for who you are, because you get to be at peace with yourself,” and concluded with, “Hi, my name is Alejandro, and I’m proud to be gay.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;background:white"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">“Relaciones Peligrosas” deals with an array of social issues including substance abuse, crime, dating, violence against women, as well as race, class and LGBT issues.The novela, which premiered in January 2012 and is&nbsp;an adaptation of the Spanish series “Física o Química," airs weeknights at 10PM/9PM Central on Telemundo.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">In its first weeks “Relaciones Peligrosas” ranked number one in Miami in ratings across all stations regardless of language, and was number one in New York beating all Spanish-Language stations,<a href="http://telemundomediakit.com/2012/01/25/telemundo-medias-%E2%80%9Crelaciones-peligrosas%E2%80%9D-premiere-grows-10pm-daypart-by-10/" target="_blank"> according to Telemundo</a>. The novela was also heavily promoted by Telemundo&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; ">and touted for its <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/telemundo-social-tv-strategy-relaciones-peligrosas-284155" target="_blank">cutting-edge incorporation of social media</a>.</span></p>
<p><strong>UPDATE: A still from a March 22 episode:</strong></p>
<p><img class="media-image" id="3" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/AleItGetsBetter.png?itok=UYDMGqIj" alt="" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">March 13, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/spanish-language-and-latino">Spanish-Language and Latino</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/relaciones-peligrosas">Relaciones Peligrosas</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt-inclusive-novelas">LGBT-inclusive novelas</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/telemundo">Telemundo</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bullying">Bullying</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:05:04 +0000bpacheco49199 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/must-watch-groundbreaking-telemundo-novela-tackles-lgbt-other-issues#comments"It Gets Better" Special Shares Real Life Issues Facing LGBT Peoplehttp://www.glaad.org/blog/it-gets-better-special-shares-real-life-issues-facing-lgbt-people
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> </p>
<p><img class="media-image" id="2" style="float: left; " src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/It-Gets-Better.jpg?itok=HoPp3mXY" alt="" />This week, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/" target="_blank">MTV</a> and <a href="http://www.logotv.com/" target="_blank">Logo</a> aired an <a href="http://www.mtv.com/videos/it-gets-better/1679363/playlist.jhtml" target="_blank">“It Gets Better” special</a>, anchored by one of the co-founders of the <a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/" target="_blank">It Gets Better Project</a>, Dan Savage. The 60-minute special followed the stories of three individuals facing challenges encountered by many in the LGBT community: Greg, a high school senior struggling to tell his friends and family he is gay; Vanessa, an out lesbian woman seeking her mother’s acceptance of her sexual orientation; and Aydian, a trans man preparing to get married. Throughout the special, messages from Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller summarized the history of the It Gets Better Projects, shared coming out experiences, and offered encouragement and hope to those feeling unsupported. Segments from other user-created videos were included as well, highlighting the diversity of individuals who have lent their voices to this project, from celebrities to government officials. With more than 30,000 user-created videos that have been viewed over 40 million times, the It Gets Better Project has grown enormously over a short period of time, brining inspiration to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth worldwide.</p>
<p>At the beginning of the episode, viewers are introduced to Vanessa, a 19-year-old African American woman living in Connecticut who is a singer-songwriter and an out lesbian. Though she had a difficult time at first, Vanessa is comfortable with herself, and has a girlfriend, Rashaida. “Things got better because I accepted me. I found my truth, but I still have this void,” Vanessa says, thinking of her family. Despite the happiness she has found in her life, Vanessa’s parents have not come to terms with their daughter’s sexual orientation. Vanessa shares that her mother, Valerie, mistakenly believes that Vanessa will ‘grow out’ of being gay. Later in the special, Vanessa tells Valerie that she is happy with herself, and that she is hurt by her mother’s refusal to acknowledge her relationship with Rashaida. Upon hearing about the pain her actions have caused Vanessa, Valerie apologizes, saying, “I love you for who you are…and I’ll get to that place you want me to be.”</p>
<p>In another storyline, Aydian, a transgender man and pastry chef, is planning to marry his fiancé, Janilee, but must address the fact that his birth certificate does not affirm his gender identity. Aydian discusses his fears around having to tell the wedding officiant that he is transgender, as he has never had to come out to anyone before and does not want to deal with overly personal and potentially uncomfortable questions. When Aydian does come out to the wedding officiant, she reacts with a smile, assuring him and Janilee that she is excited for the wedding. “That was an awesome, epic moment in my life to come out for the first time,” Aydian says of the experience. The next task, filing for a marriage license, proves to be more difficult, as conflicting forms of identification create understandable anxiety for the couple. This seemingly mundane administrative task is but one example of the everyday obstacles that transgender people face living in a world that regulates gender in multiple ways using various rules and guidelines. Fortunately, Aydian and Janilee sail smoothly through the process and are able to legally marry.</p>
<p>When we are first introduced to Greg, he had yet to tell anyone that he is gay. Unlike Vanessa and Aydian, who have found some acceptance and support in their lives to be who they are, Greg feels he is hiding a part of himself from his friends and family, and it is slowly putting a strain on his well-being and his relationships. He is the student body president, participating in several extracurricular activities, and while his friends consider him to be a fun and social person, Greg fears their potential reactions to him coming out. At a GSA meeting, Greg tells his fellow members that he is gay, taking a large first step toward living openly and abating his fears as his friends unanimously embrace him sharing his truth. He later speaks with a youth counselor and some close friends about coming out to his parents, deciding to write them a letter explaining everything to them. Shortly after leaving the letter in his house and preparing himself for the “worst possible scenario,” Greg receives a phone call from his mother, telling him that she and his father love and accept him. “That was amazing to hear,” Greg says. “There’s still a lot of work to be done with my parents, but I’m feeling way more confident than I have in the past couple years. I’m so glad this is over, and I was so nervous about everything, but it’s nice to finally start to be myself.”</p>
<div style="background-color:#000000;width:400px;">
<div style="padding:4px;">
<iframe src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:videolist:mtv.com:1679363/cp~instance%3Dfullepisode%26autoPlay%3Dfalse%26id%3D1679363%26instance%3Dfullepisode%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideolist%3Amtv.com%3A1679363" width="400" height="288" frameborder="0"></iframe><p style="text-align:left;background-color:#FFFFFF;padding:4px;margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:0px;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;">Get More:<br /><a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/it_gets_better/series.jhtml" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank">It Gets Better</a>, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/videos/home.jhtml" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank">Full Episodes</a></p>
</div>
</div>
<p>The “It Gets Better” special ends with Vanessa, Aydian, and Greg at pivotal and exciting moments in their lives. Vanessa is strengthening her relationship with her mother, Aydian is marrying the woman of his dreams, and Greg is beginning to share a part of himself that he never has before. Parting words from Dan Savage and many user-created videos repeat the message of hope, patience, and self-acceptance, inspiring a generation of young LGBT people to be who they are. You can watch the whole special <a href="http://www.mtv.com/videos/it-gets-better/1679363/playlist.jhtml" target="_blank">here</a>. GLAAD applauds MTV, Logo, and the It Gets Better Project for their commitment to LGBT youth, and thanks them for elevating this important message.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 24, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/television">Television</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better-project">It Gets Better Project</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better-special">It Gets Better Special</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/television">television</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mtv">MTV</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/logo">Logo</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/dan-savage">Dan Savage</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:41:44 +0000daniheffernan48967 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/it-gets-better-special-shares-real-life-issues-facing-lgbt-people#commentsTune In Tonight to the "It Gets Better" Special on MTV and Logohttp://www.glaad.org/blog/tune-tonight-it-gets-better-special-mtv-and-logo
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-6-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="6" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/itgetsbetter.jpg?itok=IzTfo6W_" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/"><img class="media-image" height="46" id="2" style="margin: 5px; width: 307px; height: 46px;" width="307" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/IGB-white-logo-vector-row.jpg?itok=O-ENVDNW" alt="" /></a><br />Tonight at 11:00pm ET, both MTV and Logo will air an <a href="http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/734028/it-gets-better-trailer.jhtml#id=1679319" target="_blank">“It Gets Better” special</a>, anchored by one of the co-founders of the <a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/" target="_blank">It Gets Better Project</a>, Dan Savage. Following the project’s message of hope and acceptance, the 60-minute special will focus on the stories of three individuals dealing with challenges faced by many in the LGBT community: a high school senior struggling to tell his friends and family that he is gay; an out lesbian woman seeking acceptance from her family; and a transgender man preparing to get married. Throughout the special, Dan and his partner Terry Miller share their own experiences of coming out, as well as inspirational advice for young people who feel unsupported by their communities for being who they are. Several celebrity participants in the It Gets Better project are also featured in the special, including Adam Levine, Zachary Quinto, Margaret Cho, Chaz Bono, and many more. You can watch the special and join the conversation by following the live tweeting <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/logotv" target="_blank">@LogoTV</a>. </p>
<p>The It Gets Better project began in September 2010 amidst growing media coverage of the bullying and harassment encountered by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Dan and Terry’s video spoke directly to these young people, encouraging them to have hope and assuring them that, though it may not seem like it at times, they have support in this world. Since then, the project has grown to include more than 30,000 user-created videos, sharing inspirational messages that all together have been viewed over 40 million times. Videos have been submitted and shared by government officials, entertainment personalities, entire companies, organizations, and communities, and countless individuals. The “It Gets Better” special airing tonight brings these contributions from viral success to television, where even more people, especially LGBT youth and the people they look to for support, can hear the voices and see the faces of those who have dealt with similar struggles and have found acceptance in the world.</p>
<p><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" base="." src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:734028/cp%7Evid%3D734028%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A734028" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="288" width="512"></embed></p>
<div style="margin:0px;padding:4px;width:500px;text-align:center;font-family:Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank">MTV Shows</a></div>
<p>GLAAD encourages everyone to tune in tonight to the “It Gets Better” special and watch as three individuals grapple with important issues and seek the support they need to live their lives openly.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 21, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/television">Television</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/television">television</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/mtv">MTV</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/logo">Logo</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better-project">It Gets Better Project</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better-special">It Gets Better Special</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/dan-savage">Dan Savage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt-youth">LGBT youth</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:57:10 +0000daniheffernan48875 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/tune-tonight-it-gets-better-special-mtv-and-logo#commentsThe GLAAD Wrap: It Gets Better on MTV, More Join 8, and Magda Comes Outhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-wrap-it-gets-better-mtv-more-join-8-and-magda-comes-out
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-7-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="7" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/mattlucas_682_397692a.jpg?itok=XlwpJmeX" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBT-related entertainment news highlighs, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend.</p>
<p><strong>1)</strong> The “<strong>It Gets Better</strong>” hour-long special premieres on MTV and Logo this Tuesday, February 21 at 11:00pm ET/PT. The <em>True Life</em>-esque piece focuses on the lives of three young people: a man struggling with coming out to his family and friends, a lesbian who has come out and is still fighting for her mom to accept her, and a transgender man preparing to get married. Videos from Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller, the creators of the It Gets Better Project, will be featured, as well as messages of support from Adam Levine, Zachary Quinto, Chaz Bono, Margaret Cho, Vinny Guadagnino, Jake Shears and others. The trailer was released earlier this week; you can watch it below.</p>
<p><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:734028/cp~vid%3D734028%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A734028" width="425" height="239" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" base="."></embed><br /></p><div style="margin:0px;padding:4px;width:500px;text-align:center;font-family:Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank">MTV Shows</a></div>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>2) </strong>In October, seventeen of the UK’s leading lesbian musicians recorded a song to promote awareness and raise money for the charities <a href="http://www.stonewall.org.uk/">Stonewall</a> and <a href="http://www.diversityrolemodels.org/">Diversity Role Models</a>, both of which are working to end bullying of LGBT youth. The song, “It Does Get Better” by <strong>The L Project</strong>, was released on iTunes and Amazon on February 11 and shot straight to number one on the Amazon Rock Chart and hit the top 10 iTunes Rock chart. Read an interview that L Project founders Georgey Payne and Sofia Antonia Milone did with AfterEllen <a href="http://www.afterellen.com/greatlezbritain/it-does-get-better-by-the-l-project">here</a>. You can buy the song on <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/it-does-get-better-ep/id496653583">iTunes</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/It-Does-Get-Better/dp/B006ZT3KY8/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1328919260&amp;sr=301-1">Amazon</a>, find The L Project on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheLProject">Facebook</a> and the check out the official video below.</p>
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</p><p> </p>
<p><strong>3) </strong>In the United States, <strong>Magda Szubanski</strong> is probably best known as the lovable farm matriarch, Mrs. Hoggett, from the <em>Babe</em> films, but she’s practically a household name in Australia. She first made a name for herself as a talented sketch comedian on a handful of comedy shows, but her star really took off when she played the injury-prone Sharon on the smash-hit sitcom, <em>Kath &amp; Kim</em>. This week, <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2012/02/australian-actress-magda-szubanski-im-gay.html">Szubanski came out as a lesbian</a> on Channel Ten’s <em>The Project</em>, saying she was doing it publicly now because of the ongoing marriage debate in Australia and the challenges faced by LGBT youth. You can watch Szubanski’s coming out below.</p>
<iframe src="http://video.heraldsun.com.au/embed/2196429962/Magda-comes-out?player=narrow" width="330" height="335" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"><p><a href="http://video.heraldsun.com.au/2196429962/Magda-comes-out">VIDEO: Magda comes out</a></p></iframe><p>
</p><p> </p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="190" id="2" style="width: 171px; height: 190px; border-width: 2px; border-style: solid; margin: 3px; float: right;;;" width="171" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/l080318_glaad_bacon.jpg?itok=LEXfdUKM" alt="" /><strong>4) </strong>The <a href="http://www.afer.org/news/8lafullcast/">final casting announcements</a> were made this week for Dustin Lance Black’s Prop 8 play<em> <a href="http://www.afer.org/8losangeles/">8</a></em> with <strong>Chris Colfer</strong>, <strong>Kevin Baco</strong>n and <strong>John C. Reilly</strong> signing on for the one-night show. As we <a href="blog/george-clooney-star-play-about-proposition-8">previously reported</a>, they join George Clooney, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jane Lynch, Martin Sheen, Matt Bomer, Campbell Brown, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Cleve Jones, Christine Lahti, Matthew Morrison, Rory O'Malley, Yeardley Smith and George Takei. The West Coast production premieres March 3 at Los Angeles’ <a href="http://www.ebellla.com/theater/index.htm">Wilshire Ebell Theatre</a> and proceeds benefit the <a href="http://www.afer.org/">American Foundation for Equal Rights</a> (AFER), a nonprofit organization working towards marriage equality. The play will be directed by Rob Reiner and follows a successful performance of the show on Broadway.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>5) </strong>This week’s project to watch is not a film but an album, or more specifically, the album which the band the <strong>Cold &amp; Lovely</strong> would like to release. The band was formed by a pair of friends who teamed up with former Hole drummer (and out musician) <strong>Patty Schemel</strong> while volunteering at LA’s Rock N’ Roll Camp for Girls. The band is raising funds for their debut album release through PledgeMusic, which will also donate 10% of the money raised to the nonprofit camp that brought them together. You can see their pitch video below, and make a pledge by <a href="http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/thecoldandlovely">visiting their site here</a>.</p>
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</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 17, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/music">Music</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/television">Television</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/8">8</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/kevin-bacon">Kevin Bacon</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/chris-colfer">Chris Colfer</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/magda-szubanski">Magda Szubanski</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/patty-schemel">Patty Schemel</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:22:28 +0000mattkane48761 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-wrap-it-gets-better-mtv-more-join-8-and-magda-comes-out#commentsWhat to Watch: Tuesday, February 21http://www.glaad.org/blog/what-watch-tuesday-february-21
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-8-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="8" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/314GLEE_Ep314-Sc26_028.jpg?itok=YCGrcaKH" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p></p><p>The It Gets Better special premieres tonight on MTV and Logo, Warblers and New Directions go head-to-head in <em>Glee</em>'s winter finale, John babysits a film crew on <em>Southland</em>,<em> White Collar's </em>Neal Caffrey is brought in to steal a valued item from Yankees Stadium and all new episodes of <em>Days of Our Lives, Tabatha Takes Over</em> and <em>Undercover Princes</em>.<br /></p><p>What to Watch: Tuesday, February 21<span style="DISPLAY: none"> </span><br /></p><p>8:00pm: <a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/" target="_blank">Glee</a>, Fox (1 hr) <strong><em>WINTER FINALE</em></strong><br /></p><p>It's Regionals time and things are heating up as New Directions take on the Dalton Academy Warblers. Sebastian is still the Warblers captain and he won't let anyone get in the way of a win.Meanwhile, Rachel's dads have something to say about their daughter's engagement to Finn. Watch a preview clip below.<br /></p><p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">-0fpdIQAw3k</a></span><br /></p><p>8:00pm: <a href="http://sn.soapnet.go.com/shows/days-of-our-lives" target="_blank">Days of Our Lives</a>, SoapNet (1 hr) <strong><em>NEW</em></strong><br /></p><p>Sami refuses to let go of the past while Jack desperately wants to distance himself from his own prior relationships. Austin and Carrie come up with a plan to save their marriage and Madison tries to counsel them with poor results.<br /></p><p><img class="media-image" id="6" style="MARGIN: 3px; FLOAT: right" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/tabatha.PNG?itok=Gwk4qViK" alt="" />10:00pm: <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/tabatha-takes-over" target="_blank">Tabatha Takes Over</a>, Bravo (1 hr) <strong><em>NEW</em></strong><br /></p><p>Tabatha tries to turn around a New Jersey salon that is failing because of a passive aggressive owner and unhappy employees.<br /></p><p>10:00pm: <a href="http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/undercover-princes-and-princesses" target="_blank">Undercover Princes</a>, TLC (1 hr) <em><strong>NEW</strong></em><br /></p><p>The princes spend a night at a local Brighton club and it seems like Prince Africa may finally have had some luck in finding a date.<br /></p><p><img class="media-image" id="6" style="MARGIN: 3px; FLOAT: right" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/slj7.jpg?itok=Xtj0xg_9" alt="" />10:00pm: <a href="http://www.tnt.tv/series/southland/" target="_blank">Southland</a>, TNT (1 hr) <em><strong>NEW</strong></em><br /></p><p>John and Tang are stuck with supervising a documentary film crew and Sammy works to make amends after a young man who had agreed to testify in one of his cases is killed. Lydia is challenged to don the uniform and act as shift supervisor for the day, but it may be too much for her body to handle.<br /></p><p><img class="media-image" id="6" style="MARGIN: 3px; FLOAT: right" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/NUP_144086_0278_0.jpg?itok=1DAecL0o" alt="" />10:00pm: <a href="http://www.usanetwork.com/series/whitecollar/" target="_blank">White Collar</a>, USA (1 hr) <em><strong>NEW</strong></em><br /></p><p>Neal is reminded of what life could be like as a high end thief again when he is hired to steal a prized piece of Yankees memorabilia by a wealthy fan.<br /></p><p>11:00pm: <a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/it_gets_better/series.jhtml" target="_blank">It Gets Better</a>, MTV, Logo (1 hr) <em><strong>NEW</strong></em><br /></p><p>The It Gets Better special focuses on the lives of three young people: a man struggling with coming out to his family and friends, a lesbian who just wants her mom to accept her, and a transgender man preparing to get married. Videos from Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller, the creators of the It Gets Better Project, will be featured; as well as surprise celebrities with messages of support. Watch the trailer below.<br /></p><p><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:734028/cp~vid%3D734028%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A734028" width="425" height="246" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" base="."></embed><br /></p><div style="margin:0px;padding:4px;width:500px;text-align:center;font-family:Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank">MTV Shows</a></div>
<p></p><p>_____________________________<span style="DISPLAY: none"> </span><br /></p><p style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 1.5em; COLOR: rgb(130,129,127)" sizcache="0" sizset="35"><strong>About TV Gayed</strong><br />Grab the remote or set your DVR! <a style="COLOR: rgb(218,33,40); TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.glaad.org/blog">GLAAD</a> brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check<a style="COLOR: rgb(218,33,40); TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.glaad.org/issues/what-watch-tv">GLAAD Blog</a> for daily TV Gayed posts!<br /></p><p style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 1.5em; COLOR: rgb(130,129,127)" sizcache="0" sizset="37"><b><strong>About GLAAD</strong></b><br />The Gay &amp; Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see <a style="COLOR: rgb(218,33,40); TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.glaad.org/blog">www.glaad.org</a>, <a style="COLOR: rgb(218,33,40); TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.facebook.com/GLAAD">www.facebook.com/glaad</a> and <a style="COLOR: rgb(218,33,40); TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://twitter.com/glaad">www.twitter.com/glaad</a>.<span style="DISPLAY: none"> <span style="DISPLAY: none"> </span></span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 21, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/must-see-lgbt-tv">Must-See LGBT TV</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/glee">Glee</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/days-our-lives">Days of Our Lives</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/tabatha-takes-over">Tabatha Takes Over</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/undercover-princes">Undercover Princes</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/southland">Southland</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/white-collar">White Collar</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/dan-savage">Dan Savage</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:19:04 +0000megantownsend48653 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/what-watch-tuesday-february-21#commentsLooking Back at MLB's It Gets Better Videoshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/looking-back-mlbs-it-gets-better-videos
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" height="134" id="2" style="WIDTH: 250px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px;" width="250" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/mlb1.jpg?itok=Ds_3_vMv" alt="" />The 2011 Major League Baseball regular season has been a particularly memorable one for those of us who support LGBT inclusion and equality and follow the national pastime.&nbsp; For the first time in the sport's history, eight teams this summer took the time and effort to record a video message of support, aimed at welcoming and encouraging LGBT young people. These teams' involvement with the <a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/">It Gets Better</a> campaign was incredibly touching, especially for those of us who love and support both baseball and LGBT young people.</p>
<p>GLAAD, through our friendship with MLB, sent a list of recommendations and suggestions to each of the teams who participated in this project this year, as well as several teams who may be planning to participate next year.&nbsp; In addition, we specifically consulted with two of the teams - the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers - who made It Gets Better videos during the season. Several other teams we spoke with indicated that they are planning to produce similar materials in the future, so we are optimistic that the roster of teams sending these messages of support will continue to grow.</p>
<p>We'd like to thank and congratulate the Red Sox, the Dodgers, the Tampa Bay Rays, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Chicago Cubs, the Baltimore Orioles, the Seattle Mariners (who produced their video along with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, the WNBA's Seattle Storm and MLS's Seattle Sounders) and the 2010 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants, who were the first MLB team to create an It Gets Better video.</p>
<p>Although the videos are all similar, they each have unique personal touches. Many of the teams took the extra care to send these messages of support not just to their English-speaking fans, but also to those baseball fans who speak Spanish and Japanese. The Cubs' video included a message from part-owner Laura Ricketts, who is a lesbian. The Red Sox involved several of their biggest fans. The Mariners teamed up with their neighbors from other sports. The Rays featured a personal message from Johnny Damon, who himself was bullied when he was younger. The Dodgers were the only team to specifically mention gender identity.</p>
<p>You can watch all eight MLB It Gets Better videos below, and please encourage your local team to speak out and stand up for its fans who are LGBT young people. And to find out more about how you can personally show your support for LGBT young people, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday">click here to read more about Spirit Day</a>.</p>
<p><br><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">nX1EadNF9v0</a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">A1TcD95kmGQ</a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">rTYc0C1VpC0</a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">TGcY_ip3w7g</a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">4oIDaRLoStI</a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">erjMzGXH5KI</a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">bcpkRL_5IYk</a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">Ce-PB9mWEYQ</a></span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">October 14, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/sports">Sports</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mlb">MLB</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/baseball">baseball</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/boston-red-sox">Boston Red Sox</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/chicago-cubs">Chicago Cubs</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/san-francisco-giants">San Francisco Giants</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/baltimore-orioles">Baltimore Orioles</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/los-angeles-dodgers">Los Angeles Dodgers</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/philadelphia-phillies">Philadelphia Phillies</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/tampa-bay-rays">Tampa Bay Rays</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/seattle-mariners">Seattle Mariners</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:22:37 +0000aaronmcquade35045 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/looking-back-mlbs-it-gets-better-videos#commentsGaga, Lauper Lend Voice to Issues Facing LGBT Youth in "Speak Out"http://www.glaad.org/2011/09/02/gaga-lauper-lend-voice-to-issues-facing-lgbt-youth-in-speak-out
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/red-megaphone.gif"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-43892" title="red-megaphone" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/red-megaphone-150x150.gif" alt="" width="100" height="100" /></a>“Speak Out,” a <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/" target="_blank">USA Today</a> insert, takes a compelling look at issues facing gay, lesbian, bi, and transgender youth. The 8-page insert shines a spotlight on anti-LGBT bullying, LGBT homelessness, suicide, and youth empowerment projects with the help of some big name celebs and the organizations and youth working to make it better.</p>
<p>Among the organizations highlighted is the <a href="http://www.gsanetwork.org" target="_blank">Gay Straight Alliance Network</a> – a youth-driven organization working with students to promote safe schools for all. Carolyn Laub, executive director of the Gay Straight Alliance Network, speaks of the work still needed to combat bullying in schools. Aptly, Laub points out that though adults need to take part in the change we create, “students are fueling this movement.”</p>
<p>Lady Gaga lends her voice to highlight the high number of homeless youth who identify as LGBT. In a PSA with Virgin Mobile, Gaga asks fans to support homeless youth shelters with a specific message regarding LGBT youth. Watch her PSA here:</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">N6RRjrXVmyw</a></span></p>
<p>Another celebrity advocate featured in this issue is Cyndi Lauper, who opened an LGBT homeless youth shelter this week in NYC. As part of her message, she asks all parents “to love and accept your child, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.” And she goes on to tell straight allies, “the most important thing that all of us straight people who support equality can do is speak up and let our voices be heard.”</p>
<p>Other organizations featured in “Speak Out” include <a href="http://GLSEN.org" target="_blank">GLSEN</a>, the <a href="http://trevorproject.org" target="_blank">Trevor Project</a>, the <a href="http://www.aliforneycenter.org/" target="_blank">Ali Forney Center</a>, <a href="http://community.pflag.org/Page.aspx?pid=194&amp;srcid=-2" target="_blank">PFLAG</a>, and the <a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/" target="_blank">It Gets Better Project</a>, along with profiles of successful out individuals like Laurence Boschetto, President and CEO of<a href="http://www.draftfcb.com/" target="_blank"> Draftfcb</a>. Additionally, leaders from <a href="https://www.wellsfargo.com/" target="_blank">Wells Fargo</a>, the <a href="www.victoryfund.org" target="_blank">Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund</a>, and<a href="http://www.loveandpride.com/" target="_blank"> Love and Pride</a> also weigh in on how to make a difference in the lives of young people and supporting the LGBT community.</p>
<p>With students heading back to school all over the country, “Speak Out” is a shining example of timely and relevant news coverage, illuminating some of the issues LGBT youth continue to face while encouraging youth and allies to be a part of making it better. Readers can find “Speak Out” on newsstands everywhere.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 2, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/ali-forney-center">Ali Forney Center</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/cyndi-lauper">Cyndi Lauper</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/glsen">GLSEN</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/gsa">GSA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/homelessness">homelessness</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lady-gaga">Lady GaGa</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt-youth">LGBT youth</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pflag">PFLAG</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/usa-today">USA Today</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:50 +0000elanastone34336 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/09/02/gaga-lauper-lend-voice-to-issues-facing-lgbt-youth-in-speak-out#commentsGLAAD announces 2011 Amplifier Award Honorees; Google, American Airlines among advertisers to be honored on Oct. 4 in NYChttp://www.glaad.org/2011/09/02/glaad-announces-2011-amplifier-award-honorees-google-american-airlines-among-companies-to-be-honored-on-oct-4-in-nyc
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Google, American Airlines, Allstate and Wells Fargo will be among the companies honored at the 2011 GLAAD Amplifier Awards, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/amplifierawards/awardrecipients" target="_blank">the organization announced today.</a></p>
<p>Google’s TV commercial for Chrome, “The Web is What You Make It: It Gets Better Project,” earned the company a GLAAD nod this year, while American Airlines’ “Beach Towel” campaign garnered the airline its second GLAAD Award for LGBT-inclusive advertising.</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">7skPnJOZYdA</a></span></p>
<p>Special honors will be given to Bob Witeck &amp; Wesley Combs of Witeck-Combs Communications in recognition of their work to advocate for LGBT inclusion in advertising, and Allstate will receive the Corporate Responsibility Award for its long-standing and public commitment to the LGBT community.</p>
<p>(<a href="https://www.glaad.org/amplifierawards/registration" target="_blank">To buy your tickets to the 2011 GLAAD Amplifier Awards, click here.</a>)</p>
<p>"The advertising industry is still behind news and entertainment media in terms of including images that reflect the diversity of LGBT people," said Acting GLAAD President Mike Thompson. "By highlighting the great work of all of our award recipients with an Amplifier Award, we hope their corporate peers will begin including our community in ads which accurately reflect the fabric of American culture today."</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/I-love-my-boo.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-43758" title="I love my boo" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/I-love-my-boo-195x300.jpg" alt="" width="195" height="300" /></a>Other award recipients include HIV/AIDS organization Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), whose “I love my boo” campaign ran in mainstream settings across New York City; healthcare provider Kaiser Permanente, whose “Stick around. Things get interesting.” print campaign featured a family with same-sex parents and ran in mainstream publications like Family Circle; and the Hispanic Federation’s joint Spanish-language ad with The NY AIDS Institute.</p>
<p>(<a href="http://www.glaad.org/amplifierawards/awardrecipients" target="_blank">For a complete list of award recipients, click here.</a>)</p>
<p>For the second consecutive year, the GLAAD Amplifier Awards are also an official event of <a href="http://www.advertisingweek.com/" target="_blank">Advertising Week</a>, North America's premier gathering of cutting-edge communications leaders.</p>
<p>The GLAAD Amplifier Awards, formerly called the GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising, elevate and promote individuals and projects in advertising and marketing industries for groundbreaking representations of the LGBT community. The Amplifier Awards also fund GLAAD's work to amplify stories of LGBT people and issues in all media, as well as GLAAD’s work with corporate America on best practices for inclusion of LGBT people in the workplace.</p>
<p>The 2011 GLAAD Amplifier Awards presented by Omnicom Group, and presented in part by DRAFTFCB, Publicis Groupe, and ROKK Vodka, will take place on October 4, 2011 at The Altman Building in New York City. <a href="https://www.glaad.org/amplifierawards/registration" target="_blank">To buy your tickets, click here.</a></p>
<p>Among 2011 award recipients (click on image for full-size):</p>
<div style="width: 119px;float:left;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Allstate.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-43787" title="Allstate" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Allstate-109x300.jpg" alt="" width="109" height="300" /></a>
<p>Outstanding Outdoor Campaign "Protection for All" (Allstate Insurance Co.)</p>
</div>
<div style="width: 234px;float:left;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Kaiser.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-43760" title="Kaiser" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Kaiser-224x300.jpg" alt="" width="224" height="300" /></a>
<p> Outstanding Print Campaign – Mainstream Market "Stick Around. Things Get Interesting." (Kaiser Permanente)</p>
</div>
<div style="width: 310px;float:left;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/American.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-43762" title="American" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/American-300x232.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="232" /></a>
<p>Outstanding Outdoor Campaign "Beach Towel" (American Airlines)</p>
</div>
<div style="width: 215px;float:left;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/WellsFargo.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-43761" title="WellsFargo" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/WellsFargo-205x300.jpg" alt="" width="205" height="300" /></a>
<p>Outstanding Print Campaign – LGBT Market "Wells Fargo Advisors ADPA Campaign" (Wells Fargo)</p>
</div>
<div style="width: 310px;float:left;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/lahomofobia.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-43763" title="lahomofobia" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/lahomofobia-300x168.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="168" /></a>
<p>Outstanding Social Marketing Campaign "La homofobia tiene muchas caras" (Hispanic Federation &amp; The NY AIDS Institute)</p>
</div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 2, 2011</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/advertising">Advertising</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/glaad-media-awards-advertising">GLAAD MEdia Awards in Advertising</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/gmhc">GMHC</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/google">Google</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:49 +0000Seth34330 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/09/02/glaad-announces-2011-amplifier-award-honorees-google-american-airlines-among-companies-to-be-honored-on-oct-4-in-nyc#commentsLutherans Vow to Prevent Bullyinghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/08/18/lutherans-vow-to-prevent-bullying
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="www.elca.org"><img class="alignleft" title="ELCAemblemlg2" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ELCAemblemlg2-300x300.gif" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>The <a href="http://www.elca.org/">Evangelical Lutheran Church in America</a> (ELCA), the nation’s largest Lutheran denomination, passed a resolution to join the church at all levels in efforts to seek out, curb and work to prevent bullying in church, school and society. The resolution was brought to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly by 37 of its 65 synods. The resolution passed 932-23. <a href="http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly.aspx">The ELCA Churchwide Assembly is currently meeting in Orlando, Florida</a>.</p>
<p>The idea began when many Lutherans, including those involved at <a href="http://www.lcna.org/">Lutherans Concerned/North America</a>, a Lutheran LGBT advocacy group, witnessed the media attention given to bullying over the course of the past year. They wanted the ELCA to be an active part of bullying prevention, knowing that often a theology of exclusion is what can fuel bullying behavior in the first place.</p>
<p>Lutherans Concerned/North America has created two resources. <a href="http://www.lcna.org/images/stories/downloads/resources/048_whereallcansafelylive_aug2011.pdf"><em>Where All Can Safely Live</em></a> (pdf) is a guide to understanding bullying in our communities, how to talk about it, and how to prevent it. This anti-bullying curriculum is an introduction to what bullying is, how it functions, and why we as Christians are called to prevent it from happening in our communities. It was developed with the help of the staff at the <a href="http://www.pvpi.org/">Pacific Violence Prevention Institute</a>, from the pioneering research on bullying by Dan Olweus, and materials created by the United States government.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.lcna.org/images/stories/downloads/resources/050_where-hands-will-reach-resource-edition.pdf"><em>Where Hands Will Reach</em></a> (pdf) contains responses to bullying from ELCA pastors, parents, theologians, and others. It contains devotions, personal stories, and theological reflections on the problem of bullying and what some have done to help. <em>Where Hands Will Reach</em> is being distributed to those in attendance at the 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Orlando, these reflections offer an ongoing-testimony for the need to activate and organize the passion of God’s people for justice to transform the life of the church and society. Both resources are available on the <a href="http://www.lcna.org/resources">resources page</a> of Lutherans Concerned/North America.</p>
<p>The debate about the ELCA’s involvement in such bullying efforts featured several young people speaking of being attacked for physical attributes that can't be changed, of being vilified because of their sexual orientation, of not knowing what to do when friends are bullied, and of losing a friend to a violent attack. <a href="http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly/Watch-the-Assembly.aspx">You can watch the debate here</a>. (Choose Plenary Session 5. If you want to skip budget reports, etc. jump to 3:11:00).</p>
<p><a href="www.lcna.org"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-42754" title="RIC Logo" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/RIC-Logo.jpg" alt="" width="208" height="156" /></a>Emily Eastwood, Executive Director, Lutherans Concerned/North America, said, "It was amazing to see so many young people at the microphones addressing this important issue from their particular contexts in youth groups, schools and neighborhoods. Bullying cuts through every demographic line, but victims from groups most oppressed in society at large are at particular risk."</p>
<p>The ELCA had previously made <a href="http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Life-Transitions/Youth-Issues/Bullying.aspx">resources related to bullying available on its web site</a>. And in the fall of 2010, Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson posted his own <a href="http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Presiding-Bishop/Messages-and-Statements/101028video.aspx">"It Gets Better" video, with accompanying resources</a>. However, this resolution will "encourage new partnerships among the churchwide organization, synods, congregations, campus and outdoor ministries, Lutheran School Associations, Lutherans Concerned/North America, Lutheran Social Services organizations, public schools, counseling centers, and other governmental organizations in order to support the prevention of bullying, harassment, and other related violence."</p>
<iframe width="450" height="253" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VJOhjLXJmaY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><p>
GLAAD applauds the work of the ELCA and of Lutherans Concerned/North America. Most of all, GLAAD thanks the young people at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly for sharing their stories in a way that will promotes understanding, increase acceptance, and advance equality.</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/LCTCLutheLoveMe.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-42755" title="LCTCLutheLoveMe" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/LCTCLutheLoveMe.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="254" /></a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 18, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bishop-mark-hanson">Bishop Mark Hanson</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bullying">Bullying</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/elca">ELCA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/emily-eastwood">Emily Eastwood</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lutherans-concerned-north-america">Lutherans Concerned North America</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/young-adult">Young Adult</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/youth">youth</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:41 +0000rossmurray34261 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/08/18/lutherans-vow-to-prevent-bullying#commentsSeventh-day Adventists Work Toward a More Inclusive Church for LGBT Membershttp://www.glaad.org/2011/08/03/seventh-day-adventists-work-toward-a-more-inclusive-church-for-lgbt-members
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Eyers-Akers-Familyedited.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-41645" title="Eyers Akers Family" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Eyers-Akers-Familyedited-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="125" height="125" /></a>Joining an <a href="http://www.secondwindsf.org/">open and inclusive church</a> in San Francisco inspired Stephen Eyer and Daneen Akers to examine their Seventh-day Adventist faith and to take a closer look at the theology they had accepted their whole lives.</p>
<!--more--><p> As <a href="http://www.sgamovie.com/about-us/">progressive Christians</a>, the couple now “strives to find and tell authentic stories that foster an awareness of our shared humanity and reinforce our connections to each other.” <a href="http://www.itgetsbetterforadventists.org/">Creating a video for the It Gets Better Project</a> was a next step.</p>
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/26611546?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" width="425" height="272" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/26611546">It Gets Better (for Adventists too)</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/stepheneyer">Stephen Eyer</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p>The nine-minute short version (<a href="http://vimeo.com/26613330">a longer, more in-depth version is also available</a>) shares the stories of gay, lesbian, and transgender people, as well as allies, raised in the <a href="http://www.sdakinship.org/">Seventh-day Adventist Church</a>. They speak to the fear of rejection that prevents many religious LGBT people from coming out to those closest to them and note that LGBT youth who experience familial rejection are over eight times more likely to attempt suicide than those whose families are accepting. Family rejection that comes from a religious perspective has been found to be <a href="http://www.faithinamerica.org/youth/lgbt-youth-resources/">particularly devastating</a> to LGBT youth.</p>
<p><a href="https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=1003697&amp;code=sgamovie_main"><img class="alignright" title="SGA Movie" src="http://www.sgamovie.com/storage/banners/sgamovie_200x200b.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1279837938511" alt="" width="125" height="125" /></a>In addition to creating an It Gets Better video, Eyer and Akers are in the process of producing a film called “<a href="http://www.sgamovie.com/">Sev</a><a href="http://www.sgamovie.com/">en</a><a href="http://www.sgamovie.com/">th-Ga</a><a href="http://www.sgamovie.com/">y Adventists</a>” (teaser below) aimed at <a href="http://www.sgamovie.com/synopsis/">addressing the struggle</a>s LGBT Adventists face when coming to understand themselves within the culture and close-knit community that defines the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The film is still in production and Eyer and Akers are <a href="https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=1003697&amp;code=sgamovie_main">fundraising</a> so that they can finish it.</p>
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/21826395?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" width="425" height="272" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/21826395">Seventh-Gay Adventists - Teaser 2</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/stepheneyer">Stephen Eyer</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p><img class="alignleft" title="Pastor Ryan J. Bell" src="http://blog.piconetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/rjbell1.jpg" alt="" width="110" height="125" />Ryan J. Bell, senior pastor at Hollywood Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hollywood, Calif., recently <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ryan-j-bell/seventhday-adventists-it-gets-better_b_915404.html">wrote a piece</a> in the religion section of the Huffington Post. In it, he talks about the need for his denomination to love and accept all members, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Although Bell recognizes that the acceptance shown in his writing and the It Gets Better (for Adventists too) video does not represent all Adventists, he thinks that “it does represent a trend toward the love and compassion of Jesus being more fully displayed in Adventist congregations.” He argues that this love and compassion is the only way to create truly safe and welcoming churches.</p>
<p>At GLAAD we are always pleased to recognize religious individuals and communities that take steps toward becoming more welcoming of LGBT people. We commend Pastor Bell, Stephen Eyer, Daneen Akers, and everyone who has participated in the It Gets Better (for Adventists too) and “Seventh-Gay Adventists” films for their commitment to making the Seventh-day Adventist Church a more open and welcoming place for all people.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 3, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/film">Film</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/family-rejection">family rejection</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt-youth">LGBT youth</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/seventh-day-adventists">Seventh-day Adventists</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:31 +0000miriamlazewatsky34189 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/08/03/seventh-day-adventists-work-toward-a-more-inclusive-church-for-lgbt-members#commentsThe GLAAD Daily: Joel Burns on MSNBC, Mass. Delegation & the Orioles Say "It Gets Better," and Morehttp://www.glaad.org/2011/07/28/the-glaad-daily-joel-burns-on-msnbc-mass-delegation-the-orioles-say-it-gets-better-and-more
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Joel-Burns.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-27319" title="Joel Burns" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Joel-Burns-239x300.jpg" alt="" width="173" height="218" /></a>Fort Worth City Councilman Joel Burns appeared on The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell to discuss a lawsuit filed on behalf of five students in Minnesota’s Anoka-Hennepin School District, which is reportedly in Rep. Michele Bachmann's congressional district. The suit challenges a policy that requires faculty to remain “neutral” on matters related to LGBT people. Earlier in the day, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=CiZ05x-70lQ">David McFarland, the acting director and CEO of The Trevor Project, spoke to openly gay MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts</a> about the policy and the lawsuit against it.</p>
<p>In the Washington Post, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/post/what-straight-people-can-learn-from-gay-marriage/2011/07/27/gIQACzaOdI_blog.html">Rev. Dr. Serene Jones wrote about marriage equality in New York</a> and said, "that gays and lesbians are taking the commitment of marriage this seriously may help heterosexuals appreciate what they have, and what they may have begun to take for granted." <a href="http://perezhilton.com/2011-07-27-elisabeth-hasselbeck-lashes-out-at-anti-gay-marriage-protestors">Perez Hilton also applauded The View's co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck</a> for criticizing anti-gay activists who held protests on July 24, the day New York’s marriage law took effect.</p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/539w.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-41238" title="539w" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/539w.jpg" alt="" width="223" height="223" /></a>Members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation this week released a video as part of the "It Gets Better Project." The only member of the delegation who did not appear in the video was Sen. Scott Brown (R). <a href="http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/politics/local_politics/sen-brown-declines-part-in-gay-rights-psa-20110727">A spokesperson for Brown said</a>, “Scott Brown has a strong record at the state and federal level against bullying and believes that all people regardless of sexual orientation should be treated with dignity and respect. His main focus right now is on creating jobs and getting our economy back on track.”</p>
<p><a href="http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-07-27/sports/bal-video-the-orioles-speak-out-against-the-bullying-of-lgbt-youth-20110727_1_trevor-project-lgbt-youth-jake-arrieta">The Baltimore Orioles also recorded a video for the “It Gets Better Project”</a> featuring Jake Arrieta, Jason Berken, Zach Britton, Kevin Gregg and Michael Gonzalez. Orioles Director of Communications Greg Bader said in a statement, “Bullying of any kind, for any reason, is unacceptable to our organization, and we are pleased to have our players speak out against this behavior in the hope it will provide encouragement to LGBT youth, and all children, who are facing hatred and prejudice.”</p>
<p>In North Carolina, the state House Republicans on Wednesday proposed expanding their session to consider constitutional amendments, including one aiming to ban marriage for same-sex couples. <a href="http://www2.wnct.com/news/2011/jul/27/gay-marriage-amendment-not-clear-winner-for-nc-gop-ar-1245392/">Republican lawmakers said they want to use the issue to mobilize</a> so-called conservative voters, but Wake Forest political science professor John Dinan said he doesn’t believe the issue will draw many who are not already interested in voting for president or governor.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7672608.html#ixzz1TP0mKNaK">The Houston Chronicle reports that some Texas officials recently wrote letters</a> to commissioners in the Amarillo office of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles in opposition of the approval of the parole of Jon Buice, who killed gay Houston banker Paul Broussard in 1991.</p>
<p><a href="http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/health&amp;id=8275178">The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday asked experts</a> on blood donations to reexamine the policy that prevents gay and bi men from donating blood. Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Representative Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) <a href="http://www.outandaboutnewspaper.com/article/4949">both applauded the move</a>, with Kerry saying, “HHS is doing their due-diligence and we plan to stay focused on the end game – a safe blood supply and an end to this discriminatory ban.”</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 28, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/news">News</a></li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/education">Education</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/elisabeth-hasselbeck">Elisabeth Hasselbeck</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/hivaids">HIV/AIDS</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/joel-burns">Joel Burns</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/new-york-marriage">New York Marriage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/perez-hilton">Perez Hilton</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/sen-john-kerry">Sen. John Kerry</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:28 +0000brendan34166 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/07/28/the-glaad-daily-joel-burns-on-msnbc-mass-delegation-the-orioles-say-it-gets-better-and-more#commentsBoston Red Sox Release 'It Gets Better' Videohttp://www.glaad.org/2011/07/01/boston-red-sox-release-it-gets-better-video
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Sox-Logo.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-39172" title="Sox-Logo" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Sox-Logo-300x294.jpg" alt="" width="180" height="176" /></a>The Boston Red Sox today became the third major league baseball team to send a message of support to LGBT young people and a message of inclusion to its fans. The minute-long video features three very recognizable faces from the Red Sox organization - third baseman Kevin Youkilis, catcher (and team captain) Jason Varitek, and Red Sox manager Terry Francona. </p>
<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="400" height="254" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="tl" /><param name="src" value="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=16452895&amp;topic_id=&amp;width=400&amp;height=254&amp;property=mlb" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="254" src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=16452895&amp;topic_id=&amp;width=400&amp;height=254&amp;property=mlb" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" scale="noscale" salign="tl"></embed></object><p>
The Red Sox also became the first team to include the voices of its fans and off-the-field staff, by including: Eric Maitland, a Red Sox greeter and Wheelock College counselor; TJ Connelly, Fenway Park’s DJ and member of the Red Sox Fan Services &amp; Entertainment department; Kristen Rosa, Smith College student and Red Sox fan; and Alison Tippett, a student at Lexington High School and daughter of Red Sox Director of Baseball Information Services Tom Tippett. The team said in a statement:</p>
<blockquote><p>“Bullying is something that has touched many of our lives either personally or through someone we love,” said Senior Vice President of Public Affairs/Marketing Susan Goodenow. “We are proud of dedicated Red Sox fans like 12-year-old Sam Maden who took the courageous step recently to publicly stand up against bullying of LGBT youth, and we are honored to join Sam and others throughout Red Sox Nation in support of the It Gets Better Project.”</p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p>The Red Sox want to thank The Trevor Project and GLAAD for their assistance with the production of this PSA. </p></blockquote>
<p>As <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2011/06/04/red-sox-cubs-joining-giants-in-sending-message-of-support-to-lgbt-youth/" target="_blank">we reported when this was announced</a>, the Red Sox organization has been thinking about ways to send a positive message to its fans about LGBT inclusion for quite some time. (Several members of the Red Sox, and Kevin Youkilis in particular, <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2011/02/15/finding-allies-in-athletics/" target="_blank">were among the first</a> to reach out to Boston Herald columnist Steve Buckley when he came out earlier this year.) This “It Gets Better” video (inspired by a <a href="http://articles.boston.com/2011-06-04/news/29685554_1_anti-bullying-online-video-gay-youth" target="_blank">12 year-old fan who started an online petition</a>) will likely be just the start. </p>
<p>We have been speaking with several other MLB teams who are either considering making similar statements in support of LGBT youth or are already in the process of creating them. We hope the Red Sox' excellent contribution to the dialogue around inclusion in the world of sports encourages even more teams to participate.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 1, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/sports">Sports</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/baseball">baseball</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/boston-red-sox">Boston Red Sox</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/mlb">MLB</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/sports">Sports</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:16 +0000aaronmcquade34067 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/07/01/boston-red-sox-release-it-gets-better-video#commentsWebby Awards to Honor Dan Savage for It Gets Better Projecthttp://www.glaad.org/2011/06/13/webby-awards-to-honor-dan-savage-for-it-gets-better-project
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/logo_webbyawards_md3.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-38029" title="logo_webbyawards_md" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/logo_webbyawards_md3.png" alt="" width="150" height="86" /></a>Dan Savage, founder of the <a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/" target="_blank">It Gets Better Project</a>, will be honored with a Special Achievement Award later today during the<a href="http://www.webbyawards.com/index.php" target="_blank"> Webby Awards</a> for his work inspiring LGBT youth to overcome bullying.</p>
<p>Each year the <a href="http://iadas.net/" target="_blank">International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences</a> honors excellence on the internet during the <a href="http://www.webbyawards.com/index.php" target="_blank">Webby Awards</a>. Established in 1996, the Webbys have recognized over 100 websites, interactive advertising campaigns, online film and video and mobile applications. The <a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/" target="_blank">It Gets Better Project</a> has been using a combination of these online tools to send a powerful message of support to LGBT youth.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/" target="_blank">It Gets Better</a> started following the media coverage of the suicide deaths of LGBT (or LGBT-perceived) teenagers last fall. Dan Savage and his partner Tyler Miller recorded a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject#p/f/0/7IcVyvg2Qlo" target="_blank">video</a> and posted it on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject#p/f/0/7IcVyvg2Qlo" target="_blank">Youtube</a> to send a message of hope to LGBT youth and encourage them to turn their attention towards a brighter future. Dan Savage created an official <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject" target="_blank">It Gets Better channel on Youtube</a> and soon millions of users posted their own message of encouragement. Among those who sent messages to LGBT youth are: President <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/10/22/president-obama-speaks-out-on-anti-gay-bullying-meanwhile-yet-another-gay-teen-lost/" target="_blank">Barack Obama</a>, Secretary of State<a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/10/20/hillary-clinton-sends-supportive-message-to-struggling-teens/" target="_blank"> Hillary Clinton</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RKmnAJ3ZWM" target="_blank">Chris Colfer</a> of Glee, comedienne <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vu2JeZn1Uw0" target="_blank">Kathy Griffin</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbkbIhpzLTo" target="_blank">Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet</a> from Modern Family, Fort Worth City Councilman <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/10/14/fort-worth-city-councilman-joel-burns-very-movingly-says-it-gets-better/" target="_blank">Joel Burns</a>, the <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2011/06/06/yale-divinity-school-posts-it-gets-better-video/" target="_blank">Yale Divinity School</a>, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject#p/f/10/pYLs4NCgvNU" target="_blank">Google employees</a>.</p>
<p>Watch Dan Savage and Tyler Miller's It Gets Better video:</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">7IcVyvg2Qlo</a></span></p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.webbyawards.com/index.php" target="_blank">15th Annual Webby Awards</a> will be airing live on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GLAAD#!/thewebbyawards?sk=app_190322544333196" target="_blank">Facebook </a>on June 13, 2011, at 8:00PM EST. You can watch them <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GLAAD#!/thewebbyawards?sk=app_190322544333196" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">June 13, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bullying">Bullying</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/chris-colfer">Chris Colfer</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/dan-savage">Dan Savage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/eric-stonestreet">Eric Stonestreet</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/google">Google</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/hillary-clinton">Hillary Clinton</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/jesse-tyler-ferguson">Jesse Tyler Ferguson</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/joel-burns">Joel Burns</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/kathy-griffin">Kathy Griffin</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lgbt-youth">LGBT youth</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/president-barack-obama">President Barack Obama</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/webby-awards">Webby Awards</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/yale">Yale</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:07 +0000maxgouttebroze33992 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/06/13/webby-awards-to-honor-dan-savage-for-it-gets-better-project#commentsYale Divinity School Posts "It Gets Better" Videohttp://www.glaad.org/2011/06/06/yale-divinity-school-posts-it-gets-better-video
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://www.yale.edu/divinity" target="_blank">Yale Divinity School</a> has joined the It Gets Better Project.</p>
<!--more--><p>Their <a href="http://youtu.be/V9lYhLAa_0g" target="_blank">video</a>, posted on May 20, shares the stories of students who struggled to come out or live openly as LGBT people because of their religious upbringing. Many are now working toward becoming ordained in order to create the open and welcoming religious communities they were unable to find as younger people.</p>
<iframe width="425" height="272" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V9lYhLAa_0g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><p>
These students’ stories remind us that religion does not have to be a barrier to living openly as an LGBT person; many traditions, churches, and individuals are welcoming and inclusive. GLAAD commends the Yale Divinity School for adding its voice in support of the It Gets Better Project and LGBT equality.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">June 6, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt-youth">LGBT youth</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/yale">Yale</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:03 +0000miriamlazewatsky33961 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/06/06/yale-divinity-school-posts-it-gets-better-video#commentsThe GLAAD Wrap: The Official Torchwood Trailer, Old Navy's Gay Pride Tees, and House of Rufushttp://www.glaad.org/2011/05/27/the-glaad-wrap-the-official-torchwood-trailer-old-navys-gay-pride-tees-and-house-of-rufus
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBT-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend.</p>
<!--more--><p>
<strong>1)</strong> It’s a miracle! The official <em>Torchwood: Miracle Day</em> trailer has been released, and everyone’s favorite bisexual immortal time-traveler Captain Jack Harkness has gotten the Michael Bay treatment in the explosive-filled trailer! Take a look, and save the date for the premiere of the series on July 8:<br />
<span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">uVktcOQD1zA</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/us_tara_gal2_pr01_family.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-37274" title="us_tara_gal2_pr01_family" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/us_tara_gal2_pr01_family-273x300.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="179" /></a><strong>2)</strong> <a href="http://www.tvline.com/2011/05/breaking-showtime-axes-united-states-of-tara-renews-nurse-jackie/">Showtime has canceled the critically acclaimed but ratings-challenged </a><em><a href="http://www.tvline.com/2011/05/breaking-showtime-axes-united-states-of-tara-renews-nurse-jackie/">United States of Tara</a> </em>after three seasons. The dark comedy about Tara, a Kansas housewife with a hardworking husband, a firecracker of a daughter, an artistic gay son, and a case of Dissociative Identity Disorder, will come to an end this June. RIP Tara, Chicken, Gimme, Buck, Alice, and T. We hardly knew ye.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/RW_house3.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-37277" title="RW_house3" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/RW_house3.jpg" alt="" width="169" height="184" /></a><strong>3)</strong> GLAAD Media Award winner Rufus Wainwright has told <em>Rolling Stone</em> that he has begun work on his seventh album, which is shaping up to be a “ danceable” record, according to Wainwright. "I just want to make something that you love, driving around in your car listening or losing your mind to on a dancefloor." Hallelujah! To tide us over, Wainwright is releasing <a href="http://www.rufuswainwright.com/news/default.aspx#2b042ae6-9780-44dc-8358-c8e038aa81b6:644121">a 19-disc box set</a> called <em>House of Rufus</em> in July, <a href="http://www.rufuswainwright.com/Store/Product.aspx?id=SM001008">available for pre-order now</a>.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/armie-hammer-jedgar-leo-dicaprio-03012011-lead.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-37279" title="armie-hammer-jedgar-leo-dicaprio-03012011-lead" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/armie-hammer-jedgar-leo-dicaprio-03012011-lead-291x300.jpg" alt="" width="166" height="170" /></a><strong>4) </strong>Armie Hammer, co-star of the J. Edgar Hoover biopic, is kissing and telling about his character’s on-screen kiss with Leonardo DiCaprio, and <a href="http://justjared.buzznet.com/2011/05/24/armie-hammer-talks-leo-dicaprio-kiss/">he doesn’t get what all the fuss is about</a>: “It wasn’t that weird; I have never kissed a guy, it’s not something I’m going to do in my private life, but at the end of it I was, like, man, there is a lot of weird hype.”</p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">.</span></p>
<p><strong>5)</strong> The Real L Word is back with a new season next week, and to kick it off, Showtime has teamed up with the Human Rights Campaign for two exclusive events for a sneak peek at season 2 in the Los Angeles and New York City areas! <a href="1.%09http:/www.hrc.org/thereallword/">Check out their website for information about the events</a> on June 1 in both cities, and here’s a look at the season to come:</p>
<object id="flashObj" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="425" height="264" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param value="always" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="src" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashvars" value="videoId=917643123001&amp;playerID=29474209001&amp;playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAAAA9pg~,GnOHJwU2r3sFsJRSf1bvZ_iPYmWg8io0&amp;domain=embed&amp;dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed id="flashObj" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="264" src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="videoId=917643123001&amp;playerID=29474209001&amp;playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAAAA9pg~,GnOHJwU2r3sFsJRSf1bvZ_iPYmWg8io0&amp;domain=embed&amp;dynamicStreaming=true" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" seamlesstabbing="false"></embed></object><p>
<span style="color: #ffffff;">.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/kristen-bell-old-navy-pride.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-37273" title="kristen-bell-old-navy-pride" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/kristen-bell-old-navy-pride.jpg" alt="" width="192" height="288" /></a><strong>6) </strong><a href="http://www.moxiebird.com/2011/05/old-navy-debuts-gay-pride-t-shirts-for-it-gets-better.html">Old Navy has released a line of gay pride t-shirts</a> and will donate 10% of the proceeds directly to the "It Gets Better" project! LGBT ally Kristen Bell looked totally adorable rocking one of the shirts on the red carpet recently, get the look yourself when they go on sale in select Old Navy stores<a href="http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2011/05/04/support-lgbt-youth-with-old-navys-pride-tees/"> beginning May 30</a>! The line offers pride shirts for men, women, and kids, retailing from $7.50-$14.50.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">May 27, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/music">Music</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/television">Television</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/armie-hammer">Armie Hammer</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/human-rights-campaign-hrc">Human Rights Campaign (HRC)</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/j-edgar">J. Edgar</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/kristen-bell">Kristen Bell</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/old-navy">Old Navy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/rufus-wainwright">Rufus Wainwright</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/showtime">Showtime</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/real-l-word">The Real L Word</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/torchwood">Torchwood</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/united-states-tara">The United States of Tara</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:00 +0000nicolepirshafiey33939 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/05/27/the-glaad-wrap-the-official-torchwood-trailer-old-navys-gay-pride-tees-and-house-of-rufus#commentsGoogle Premieres Touching "It Gets Better" Themed Ad During Gleehttp://www.glaad.org/2011/05/04/google-premieres-touching-it-gets-better-themed-ad-during-glee
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Many companies have shown their support for LGBT youth through self-produced "<a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/">It Gets Better</a>" videos that have been widely circulated on the internet, but Google went a step further on Tuesday night when it aired a television commercial during last night's episode of <em>Glee</em> - some of the most prime TV real estate - that directly linked their new browser "Google Chrome" to the "It Gets Better" campaign.</p>
<!--more--><p>
In a moving advertisement that paid tribute to founder Dan Savage and traced the campaign's origins to some of its more recent iterations (including appearances by Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert, Anne Hathaway, and Woody from <em>Toy Story</em>), Google managed to both show off its new browser's features while retaining the emotionally moving message of the many videos it features clips from.</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">7skPnJOZYdA</a></span></p>
<p>GLAAD applauds Google for producing a commercial spot that faithfully highlights the original message of hope and support for LGBT youth, while also directly aligning their own brand with it. When so many other companies remain hesitant to even feature LGBT people and storylines in their own mainstream advertising, Google has gone above and beyond.</p>
<p>You can see many of the videos featured in the Google spot in our <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/10/05/in-the-wake-of-tragic-suicides-online-contributors-and-media-personalities-express-their-support-for-lgbt-youth/">previous blog round-up</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">May 4, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/television">Television</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/adam-lambert">Adam Lambert</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/anne-hathaway">Anne Hathaway</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/dan-savage">Dan Savage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/glee">Glee</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/google">Google</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lady-gaga">Lady GaGa</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:19:50 +0000mattkane33845 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/05/04/google-premieres-touching-it-gets-better-themed-ad-during-glee#commentsNew Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Signs Nation's Toughest Law Against Bullyinghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/01/07/new-jersey-gov-chris-christie-signs-nations-toughest-law-against-bullying
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Garden-State-Equality.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-30407" title="Garden State Equality" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Garden-State-Equality.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>After both houses of the New Jersey legislature <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/11/23/new-jersey-lawmakers-approve-tough-law-against-bullying-bill-now-on-the-desk-of-gov-christie/" target="_blank">voted overwhelmingly (102-1) on November 22 to approve the "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights,"</a> Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday signed the bill, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/nyregion/07bully.html" target="_blank">making New Jersey's law against bullying and harassment the toughest in the nation</a>. The law goes into effect at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, and it applies to all public schools. Portions of the law also apply to public colleges.</p>
<p>The bill strengthens New Jersey's existing law against bullying, which has been on the books since 2002. Whereas certain anti-bullying measures were once recommended, many are now required. Among them:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>1) Specific people in each school and district must be appointed to run anti-bullying programs.</strong></p>
<p><strong>2) Bullying episodes must be investigated within a day after they occur.</strong></p>
<p><strong>3) Teachers, administrators and school board members must undergo anti-bullying training.</strong></p>
<p><strong>4) Superintendents must make public reports twice annually that detail any bullying episodes in each school. Each school will then receive a letter grade that is to be posted on its Web site.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>The law also lists harassment, intimidation or bullying as grounds for suspension or expulsion from school.</p>
<p>Though 45 states have laws against bullying, none of them is as strong or as detailed as New Jersey's new law.</p>
<p>"Other states have bits and pieces of what this New Jersey law has, but none of them is as broad, getting to this level of detail, and requiring them, step by step, to do the right thing for students," said Sarah Warbelow, state legislative director at the Human Rights Campaign.</p>
<p>Of the 45 states with laws against bullying, it's worth noting that many of them do not offer the protections of the 2002 New Jersey law, which made it a crime to harass on the basis of a person's race, sex, sexual/gender identity or disability.</p>
<p>Steven Goldstein is the chairman and CEO of <a href="http://www.gardenstateequality.org/" target="_blank">Garden State Equality</a>, New Jersey's statewide LGBT advocacy organization, and he was very involved in drafting the law. He says the realization of this law is nothing short of historic for New Jersey and an example for the rest of the country.</p>
<p>"This is one of the great civil rights laws in New Jersey history, and to have a fairly conservative Republican governor sign it sends a resounding signal to other states," said Goldstein. "It's also a major achievement for bipartisan governance in New Jersey."</p>
<p>"The idea is just to make the climate of school one of tolerance and respect," said State Senator Barbara Brown, a prime sponsor of the bill.</p>
<p>GLAAD congratulates Gov. Christie, New Jersey's legislators, Garden State Equality and all those who worked so tirelessly to make New Jersey the U.S. leader in preventing bullying in our nation's schools. We look forward to watching other states follow suit.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">January 7, 2011</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bullying">Bullying</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/garden-state-equality">Garden State Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/new-jersey">New Jersey</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/suicide">suicide</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/tyler-clementi">Tyler Clementi</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:19:12 +0000justinward33534 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/01/07/new-jersey-gov-chris-christie-signs-nations-toughest-law-against-bullying#commentsJoel Burns Named a Finalist for Dallas Morning News' Texan of the Year Awardhttp://www.glaad.org/2010/12/14/joel-burns-named-a-finalist-for-dallas-morning-news-texan-of-the-year-award
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div style="width: 293px;float:left;"><a href="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joel-Ellen.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-30022" title="Joel &amp; Ellen" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joel-Ellen.jpg" alt="" width="283" height="212" /></a>
<p>Joel with talk-show-host Ellen DeGeneres on the set of The Ellen DeGeneres Show; 10/20/10 (Spirit Day).</p>
</div>
<p>Capping off what has been a banner year for him, today <em>The Dallas Morning News </em>revealed that <a href="www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/editorials/stories/DN-toy10_14edi.ART.State.Edition1.436342d.html" target="_blank">Fort Worth City Councilman Joel Burns is a finalist for the paper's 2010 Texan of the Year award</a>. According to the editorial board of <em>The Dallas Morning News</em>, Joel was nominated "for his uncommon, selfless courage to spare others."</p>
<p>You probably recall that in October Joel spoke out against anti-LGBT bullying in schools at a regular meeting of the Fort Worth City Council. That message, in which <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/10/14/fort-worth-city-councilman-joel-burns-very-movingly-says-it-gets-better/" target="_blank">Joel tearfully recalled his own experiences with bullying as a teenager</a>, was recorded and published to YouTube shortly after the city council meeting. Since that time, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax96cghOnY4" target="_blank">Joel's video has garnered nearly 2.5 million views on YouTube</a>.</p>
<p>As soon as GLAAD learned of Joel's video, we immediately reached out to offer our support. First, we provided Joel with media training prior to his first national media interview, which was <a href="http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/10/15/nr.bts.joel.burns.bullying.cnn?iref=allsearch" target="_blank">televised live on CNN's <em>Newsroom </em>with Ali Velshi</a>. We then worked diligently to elevate Joel's message, <a href="http://glaadblog.org/2010/10/15/update-glaad-provides-media-training-to-joel-burns-several-national-media-interviews-happening-today/" target="_blank">pitching Joel's story and accompanying him to many of his now countless number of national press engagements</a>, where undoubtedly millions more were exposed to the concrete harms of bullying because of Joel's powerful message.</p>
<p>The editors of <em>The Dallas Morning News </em>aren't the only ones recognizing Joel's efforts in a big way. Inspired by Burns' message, state Sen. Wendy Davis has proposed legislation that would require Texas school districts to combat <em>all </em>forms of school bullying and to report annually the number of incidents and whether they were based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. The legislation would also require school districts to educate employees, students and parents on the seriousness of all forms of bullying.</p>
<p>As Joel reminds us, "It's not children who are responsible for ending bullying in the schools. It is the responsibility of teachers, parents, administrators and our legislators."</p>
<p>GLAAD congratulates Joel Burns on his nomination for the 2010 Texan of the Year award. At the same time, we applaud <em>The Dallas Morning News</em> for their recognition of Joel's powerful message and the impact it continues to have on a countless number of lives.</p>
<p><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="Binary Data" title="video/youtube" src="/modules/file/icons/video-x-generic.png" /> <a href="/" type="video/youtube; length=0">ax96cghOnY4</a></span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">December 14, 2010</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/anti-lgbt-violence">anti-LGBT violence</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bullying">Bullying</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/equality-texas">Equality Texas</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/it-gets-better">It Gets Better</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/joel-burns">Joel Burns</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/spirit-day">Spirit Day</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/texas">Texas</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:19:07 +0000justinward33503 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2010/12/14/joel-burns-named-a-finalist-for-dallas-morning-news-texan-of-the-year-award#comments